Miami's Curtis McKenzie (16) got Miami on the board first with this second-period goal. The RedHawks topped Minnesota State in first-round NCAA Tournament action at Toledo.

Written by

Joe Reedy

After giving up a season-high six goals in a CCHA semifinal loss to Michigan last Saturday and with its penalty killing unit struggling a bit, Miami needed one of its best defensive efforts of the season in Saturday's NCAA Hockey Midwest Regional semifinal against Minnesota State. They ended up getting it.

The RedHawks handed the Mavericks their first shutout of the season and won 4-0 on Saturday at the Huntington Center. They will face St. Cloud State in today's regional final at 4 p.m. A Miami win would send them to their third Frozen Four in five years.